Reviews

“I picked this up and literally did not put it down until I’d reached the back cover. Wow, impressive how quickly and deeply you get immersed in “Gaia Wars.” And it’s surprisingly original for the genre. Beautiful language, superb story telling, non-stop action. Does anyone know when the next one comes out?”

Here’s a Young Adult novel that this adult really enjoyed. Warren Wilkes, a young teen, begins a journey of discovery on a NW mountainous hike that goes far beyond anything he could have imagined. There are many recurring themes in the book – environmentalism & development, motherhood & the bounty of the earth, as well as good vs. evil. The book weaves a multi-layered story that culminates in an epic battle for — well, I won’t give it away. It’s a book a young teen would love (even the guys) as well as their parents. Now I’m waiting for the next book in the series to come out so I can see whether Good prevails over Evil. If Warren has his way, I’m pretty sure it will.

“Gaia Wars” is amazing. I got sucked into the story within the first five pages and the pace and excitement made it tough to put down. Ken Bennett has created a very fresh take on the epic fantasy tale, so if you like Tolkien, CS Lewis, Harry Potter, and other “big” stories, you’ll love “Gaia Wars.”

Pros: Great concept, fast-pacing, detailed, evocative settings, interesting characters. The main character of Warren Wilkes has a lot of depth. In the first few pages, he didn’t come off as very likable, but soon you realize what’s driving him and he becomes very sympathetic.

Cons: So engrossing that I read it too quickly! Luckily, the second book in the series will be released soon.

Who might like it: certainly young adult readers — especially boys who like fast-paced adventure stories. But since the book doesn’t ever “talk down” to its readers, adults who enjoy fantasy with sci-fi overtones will like it too.

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“Gaia Wars” is written with deep knowledge and respect of the surrounding wilderness. Not only do we delve into the Northwest landscape in intimate ways, we are invited to participate in Warren Wilke’s fight to save it. And we do so willingly, and with a ravenous desire to stay with him until the glorious end. Author Kenneth Bennett opens the door wide, ushering us in, urging us to shoulder our packs and follow along before it’s too late.

For those who enjoy the works of Tolkein, Pullman, Lewis, and Rowling, this book does not disappoint.

“Gaia Wars” is written with deep knowledge and respect of the surrounding wilderness. Not only do we delve into the Northwest landscape in intimate ways, we are invited to participate in Warren Wilke’s fight to save it. And we do so willingly, and with a ravenous desire to stay with him until the glorious end. Author Kenneth Bennett opens the door wide, ushering us in, urging us to shoulder our packs and follow along before it’s too late.

For those who enjoy the works of Tolkein, Pullman, Lewis, and Rowling, this book does not disappoint.